Weekly Wave: April 13

Principal's Message

Lake Anne Families,

We are excited to share that we have officially entered the final quarter of the school year! This is always such a meaningful time, as we watch our students grow, build confidence, and begin applying all they have learned throughout the year. We look forward to seeing them continue to thrive in the weeks ahead.

As we head into this important stretch, we also want to emphasize the importance of consistent attendance. Our current chronic absenteeism rate has risen to 13.9%, and we are working hard to bring it below 10% by the end of the year. Your partnership is essential in helping us reach this goal, and we greatly appreciate your continued support in ensuring students are present and ready to learn each day.

We also want to celebrate a wonderful event from this past Friday—our Kindergarten Orientation! It was a joy to welcome our newest Dolphins and their families. We are already looking forward to having them join our school community in Fall 2027.

To wrap up the week, we are excited for our 6th Grade Basketball Challenge against Forest Edge! We hope you’ll come out and cheer on our students for what is sure to be a fun and spirited event.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support of our school community!

Mrs. Jill Stewart, Principal
Mrs. Valencia Chenier, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Leslie Grumbach, Assistant Principal


Important School Events

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  • April 14th
    • National Dolphin Day - Wear dolphin gear to celebrate!
    • Body Safety Program Family Information Night, 6:00 p.m.
  • April 15
    • Purple Up Day - Wear purple to show support to our military connected students
  • April 17
    • 6th Grade Basketball Game against Forest Edge
  • April 21
    • Special Statewide Election - Student Holiday
  • Upcoming SOLs:
    • May 6 - Reading
    • May 14 - Math
    • May 19 - Science

New Student Safety Program

Speak Up Be Safe

Lake Anne is excited to announce that we will be hosting the Body Safety Program during the week of June 1st – June 5th. We are joining over 30 schools across Fairfax County in implementing this research-based curriculum designed to empower our students.

About the Program

Trained facilitators from the Department of Family Services (DFS) will visit our classrooms to lead age-appropriate lessons from the Speak Up Be Safe prevention education curriculum. These sessions (lasting 45–60 minutes) focus on teaching children practical skills to:

  • Identify and prevent bullying and neglect.
  • Interrupt cycles of child abuse.
  • Build the confidence to speak up to trusted adults.

Save the Date: Family Information Night

We understand that parents may have questions about the curriculum and how these topics are handled. We invite you to join us for a presentation led by DFS staff:

  • When: Tuesday, April 14th @ 6:00 PM
  • Where: In-person (School Cafeteria) or Virtually (https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99028151131)
  • Recording: For those unable to attend, the session will be recorded and shared afterward.

Next Steps & Opt-Out Information

Following the family presentation on April 14th, we will distribute detailed information sheets and opt-out forms to all families. Our entire staff will also be undergoing training on April 8th to ensure we are fully prepared to support our students through this program.

Note: Our goal is to partner with you to keep our children safe, informed, and empowered. We look forward to seeing you on April 14th!

 

Speak Up Be Safe (Habla y Mantente Seguro)

La Escuela Lake Anne se complace en anunciar que estaremos implementando el Programa de Seguridad Corporal durante la semana del 1 al 5 de junio. Nos unimos a más de 30 escuelas en el condado de Fairfax para implementar este currículo basado en la investigación, diseñado para empoderar a nuestros estudiantes.

Sobre el Programa

Facilitadores capacitados del Departamento de Servicios para la Familia (DFS) visitarán nuestras aulas para impartir lecciones apropiadas para la edad del currículo de prevención Speak Up Be Safe. Estas sesiones (de 45 a 60 minutos) se enfocan en enseñar a los estudiantes habilidades prácticas para:

  • Identificar y prevenir el acoso escolar y la negligencia.
  • Interrumpir ciclos de abuso infantil.
  • Desarrollar la confianza para hablar con adultos de confianza.

Reserve la fecha: Noche Informativa para Familias

Entendemos que las familias pueden tener preguntas sobre el currículo y cómo se abordan estos temas. Los invitamos a participar en una presentación dirigida por el personal de DFS:

  • Cuándo: martes 14 de abril a las 6:00 p. m.
  • Dónde: en persona (cafetería de la escuela) o de manera virtual (el enlace se enviará por correo electrónico)
  • Grabación: para quienes no puedan asistir, la sesión será grabada y compartida posteriormente

Próximos pasos e información para exclusión (opt-out)

Después de la presentación familiar del 14 de abril, distribuiremos hojas informativas detalladas y formularios de exclusión a todas las familias. Además, todo nuestro personal recibirá capacitación el 8 de abril para asegurar que estemos completamente preparados para apoyar a nuestros estudiantes durante este programa.

Nota: Nuestro objetivo es colaborar con ustedes para mantener a nuestros niños seguros, informados y empoderados. ¡Esperamos verlos el 14 de abril!


Basketball Challenge

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Join us on Friday, April 17th at 5:30 p.m. in the South Lakes HS gym for the annual 6th Grade Basketball Game against Forest Edge. We hope to see you there!

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April Statewide Election

No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled. 

FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on April 21 at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.

No hay clases para estudiantes

No habrá clases para los estudiantes el martes 21 de abril debido a las elecciones estatales de Virginia. Las actividades estudiantiles, prácticas deportivas y eventos podrán llevarse a cabo según lo programado.

Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax (FCPS) ofrecerán almuerzo y un refrigerio sin costo para niños de 18 años o menos el 21 de abril en las escuelas participantes. Las comidas deben consumirse en el lugar y habrá actividades de enriquecimiento disponibles. Para más información, visite la página web de Servicios de Alimentos y Nutrición de FCPS.


April 22 Update

Due to the newly announced special election, Tuesday, April 21st is now scheduled as a teacher workday and staff development day.

With that in mind, the previously scheduled early release day on Wednesday, April 22nd has been converted to a full day of instruction. Students will be released at the regular dismissal time.

We undertsnad that changes to the schedule can affect family routines and appreciate your flexibility and understanding.

Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parents for more details.

 

Debido a la elección especial recientemente anunciada, el martes 21 de abril ahora está programado como un día de trabajo para maestros y desarrollo profesional del personal.

Con esto en cuenta, el día de salida temprana previamente programado para el miércoles 22 de abril se ha convertido en un día completo de instrucción. Los estudiantes saldrán a la hora habitual de salida.

Entendemos que los cambios en el horario pueden afectar las rutinas familiares y agradecemos su flexibilidad y comprensión.

Lea la carta del Dr. Reid dirigida a los padres de primaria para obtener más detalles.


Stuff the Busstuff

All schools in the South Lakes pyramid will be collecting donations for the South Lakes Food Pantry. On Friday, April 24, a FCPS bus will travel from school to school to pick up donations and STUFF the BUS. All donations will go to the South Lakes High School Food Pantry.


Weather Safety

FCPS Commitment to Weather Safety

At FCPS, the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is our highest priority — no matter the season. In extreme cold, we monitor National Weather Service (NWS) guidance, adjust outdoor activities, and ensure our buildings are warm and secure. In extreme heat, we modify or cancel outdoor activities, use on-site measurements to guide athletic decisions, and promote hydration and cooling breaks. 

FCPS has plans in place to provide guidance during severe weather, including storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Decisions are informed by industry best practices, weather alerts, and a commitment to keeping our school community safe and healthy year-round. Read more about weather safety, including the differences between an advisory, watch, and warning.

 

Compromiso de FCPS con la seguridad ante el clima

En FCPS, la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes, personal y visitantes es nuestra máxima prioridad, sin importar la temporada. Durante el frío extremo, monitoreamos las orientaciones del Servicio Nacional de Meteorología (NWS), ajustamos las actividades al aire libre y nos aseguramos de que nuestros edificios estén cálidos y seguros. En condiciones de calor extremo, modificamos o cancelamos las actividades al aire libre, utilizamos mediciones en el lugar para orientar las decisiones deportivas y promovemos la hidratación y los descansos para refrescarse.

FCPS cuenta con planes para brindar orientación durante condiciones meteorológicas severas, incluidas tormentas, inundaciones y tornados. Las decisiones se basan en las mejores prácticas del sector, las alertas meteorológicas y el compromiso de mantener a nuestra comunidad escolar segura y saludable durante todo el año. Lea más sobre la seguridad ante el clima, incluidas las diferencias entre un aviso, una vigilancia y una advertencia.


Language Arts Updates